Introduction
Human beings should embrace the power of critical thinking in order to address the issues affecting them. McDougall (2013) defines “critical thinking as a method whereby an individual takes charge of the inherent structures and embrace intellectual standards in order to improve the quality of his or her thinking” (p. 6). This kind of thinking should focus on three major components in order to produce the best solutions. These components include “elements of though, intellectual standards, and intellectual traits” (Duron, Limbach, & Waugh, 2006, p. 164). This essay uses the elements of thought defined by Paul and Elder to analyze the problem of overpopulation.
Description of the Problem
The human population is growing at an unprecedented rate today (Pimentel, 2012). This kind of growth will affect the lives and experiences of many people. Population growth “puts much pressure on every available natural resource” (Duron et al., 2006, p. 165). Many people do not have access to enough food and water. Housing has also become a major issue affecting many individuals across the globe. Overpopulation is “associated with continued environmental degradation and climate change” (Pimentel, 2012, p. 151).
Analyzing the Problem
Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework is “widely used to describe and analyze various issues affecting the society” (Duron et al., 2006, p. 165). The model presents eight unique elements that should be used to define every thinking process. These elements can therefore be used to analyze the issue of overpopulation. The “first element of thought is purpose” (Duron et al., 2006, p. 165). The main purpose should be to understand why overpopulation is a major problem affecting humanity. The second element focuses on the best approaches towards addressing the targeted problem.
Some assumptions can be made in order to understand the issues associated with this problem. For instance, the thinker will focus on the major concerns raised by different individuals in the society. A “point of view emerges whereby people embrace the most acceptable practices in order to have a sustainable human population” (Pimentel, 2012, p. 151). The fifth element is based on the available evidence or data. The thinker should use appropriate evidences to support his or her arguments.
The reasoning process will also be expressed using certain ideas and concepts. For instance, the thinker will use various theories and models to explain the dangers of overpopulation. The individual will support his or her concepts using the collected information or evidence. The final element is aimed at producing or identifying the consequences of overpopulation. As well, overpopulation “threatens the welfare and posterity of humanity” (Pimentel, 2012, p. 152). These consequences will affect more people than ever before. It would therefore be appropriate to identify new strategies that can address the targeted problem.
Resolving the Problem
Paul-Elder’s model explains why critical thinkers should use various elements of thought and intellectual standards in order to understand the nature of the targeted social problem. This knowledge will make it easier for them to focus on the best practices and ideas that can deliver quality information (Pimentel, 2012). This model makes it easier for thinkers to identify the most appropriate standards and virtues that can produce the best results.
Intellectual Standards
The universal intellectual standards presented in the model will “encourage different thinkers to engage in quality reasoning” (Osborne, Kriese, Tobey, & Johson, 2010, p. 48). The thinkers can identify the most appropriate intellectual standards depending on the nature of the problem. The first intellectual standard should be accuracy. The thinker should get accurate ideas and information in order to understand the implications of overpopulation. The individual should also use evidence-based information in order to verify the nature of the problem.
The second important intellectual standard is the significance of the targeted problem (Osborne et al., 2010). Overpopulation remains one of the major problems affecting humanity today. This problem “creates new challenges such as lack of water, environmental degradation, and destruction of ecosystems” (Pimentel, 2012, p. 151). These important facts support the issues and challenges arising from the problem of overpopulation. The third important intellectual standard is fairness. The thinker should “ensure his or her reasoning is justifiable” (Osborne et al., 2010, p. 49). The individual should consider the thoughts and ideas presented by other analysts. The identified concepts should be guided by professional values and ethics. This approach will make it easier for the thinker to have the best purpose. These three intellectual principles will ensure the thinking process is reasonable and profitable.
Intellectual Virtues
Critical thinkers should also embrace different intellectual virtues whenever addressing a specific social problem. Paul-Elder’s framework identifies unique traits that can make it easier for researchers to address various challenges affecting the wider society. It should also be observed that such virtues are derived from different intellectual standards. The first important virtue is intellectual courage. This kind of virtue will ensure the thinker gathers relevant information in order to understand the nature of the problem (Osborne et al., 2010). The trait will encourage the thinker to use evidence-based ideas and concepts. This approach will eventually produce the most desirable solutions.
The second important virtue is intellectual integrity. This trait guides the thinker to avoid certain unethical practices. The thinker will ensure the gathered information is ethical and meaningful. The person will avoid certain malpractices such as deceit in order to analyze the problem in a professional manner. The other important virtue is fair-mindedness. This trait will “ensure the individual focuses on the most justifiable thinking” (Duron et al., 2006, p. 165). The researcher will consider the thoughts and ideas presented by other individuals (Pimentel, 2012). The thinker will not distort the existing concepts thus producing the best solutions to the problem.
Personal Reflection
It was appropriate to use different methods in order to generate new questions that can lead to disciplined thinking. The first method was to raise vital questions associated with overpopulation. The second method was to gather relevant information from different studies and publications. This information was assessed in order to come up with the best ideas. The “third method was to embrace the power of open-mindedness” (Pimentel, 2012, p. 152). This approach focused on the major arguments presented by different thinkers. These three methods made it easier for me to come up with the best concepts.
As well, such methods made it easier for me to embrace the power of deep learning. I focused on the major issues associated with the targeted problem (Osborne et al., 2010). I also used the major intellectual virtues and principles in order to produce the best decisions. This analysis does not differ significantly from the ideas of a minimalist student. The problem of overpopulation encourages people to embrace the best practices towards conserving the natural environment. The first approach is having few children. A minimalist student will therefore focus on such practices in order to have a sustainable world.
Reference List
Duron, R., Limbach, B., & Waugh, W. (2006). Critical Thinking Framework for Any Discipline. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 17(2), 160-166.
McDougall, R. (2013). Too Many People: Earth’s Population Problem. Web.
Osborne, R., Kriese, P., Tobey, H., & Johson, E. (2010). Putting It All Together: Incorporating “SoTL Practices” for Teaching Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills in an Online Course. InSight: A Journal of Scholarly Teaching, 1(1), 45-55.
Pimentel, D. (2012). World Overpopulation. Environmental Development and Sustainability, 14(1), 151-152.